In a recent development that’s sure to stir speculation across the gaming community, Naughty Dog has confirmed that a second, unannounced project is currently in the works — completely separate from their upcoming new IP, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

Revealed by Neil Druckmann during an appearance on the Press X to Continue podcast, the longtime Naughty Dog creative lead stated he’s taking a step back from directing to serve as a producer and mentor on this mystery project. “It’s been refreshing to let a new creative team take the reins,” Druckmann explained, hinting that this isn’t just another Naughty Dog game — it’s a chance for a fresh direction under experienced oversight.

ANOTHER IP OR A CLASSIC RETURN?

While concrete details remain locked behind studio doors, the mere confirmation of the project has reignited longstanding rumors about potential revivals. Could this be a return to Uncharted? A Jak and Daxter reboot? Even The Last of Us Part III? Fans have been parsing every PlayStation Showcase and job listing for clues — and the signs are there.

A PlayStation 5 ad from early 2023 featured a mysterious scene many believe to be an older Cassie Drake exploring ancient ruins. Combined with recent job postings calling for developers to work on a “beloved franchise,” the tea leaves are aligning for a possible Uncharted continuation — though Naughty Dog remains tight-lipped.

THE LAST OF US ONLINE FALLOUT

This secret project emerges in the wake of The Last of Us Online’s cancellation in late 2023. Naughty Dog admitted the shift came after realizing that the game, despite its potential, wasn’t aligning with the studio’s identity or long-term vision. The failure to deliver a live-service title reinforced their dedication to single-player, story-first experiences — a foundation that has made them one of PlayStation’s most celebrated studios.

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT INTERGALACTIC

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet remains the studio’s next big flagship title, a completely original sci-fi IP that marks Naughty Dog’s first new universe since The Last of Us in 2013. Details remain scarce, but early insider reports suggest a morally complex narrative set across multiple planets, with heavy emphasis on character-driven storytelling and cinematic presentation — in true Naughty Dog fashion.

Development on Intergalactic is rumoured to be in full swing, with a possible full gameplay reveal coming during the next PlayStation Showcase later this year.

TWO PATHS FORWARD

With two major projects on deck — one bold and new, the other shrouded in mystery — Naughty Dog appears to be entering a new era. Druckmann’s move into a mentorship role for the second game could signal a generational handoff within the studio, potentially paving the way for a younger team to establish themselves.

Whether this secret project ends up being The Last of Us Part III, a return to Uncharted, or something completely unexpected, one thing is clear: Naughty Dog isn’t done surprising us.

Stay tuned to 1-Up Games for more updates as they happen.